About

Created as a one-day spectacular, Carnival is a bustling hub of events celebrating the diversity, costumes, colours, sounds and flavours from the four corners of the world, right here in Harrogate.

With global music and dance stages, themed food zones, a theatre of food, art and craft workshops, street theatre and a Carnival stage, this family-friendly day is a true party in every sense of the word and free for all to attend.

First staged in 2019, it was back again for 2022 and returned in 2023, in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and Visit Harrogate, kicking off at 11am with a large street parade throughout the centre of Harrogate before heading to the Valley Gardens for an afternoon of music, dance, craft, street food, theatre and workshops.

Harrogate International Festivals team up with local artists, community groups, local food suppliers and street food from further afield to serve up a fantastic array of fayre from across the world. And the parade weaving its way through the town centre is a great opportunity to see the quality of independent and chain stores, restaurants and bars that make Harrogate a superb place to eat, drink and shop all year round.

“Think Rio in Rhododendrons, parade in the petunias, sounds in the sun colonnades, food in the flora and dancing in the dahlias, and you will begin to get a taste of what the day holds in store for visitors.” ­
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive, Harrogate International Festivals

Harrogate Festivals makes this town playful and pleased to shake its booty!